DANIEL PARSLOW has announced his retirement from professional football because of a head injury.

The former City defender, who is ranked 10th in the club's all-time appearance list, had been hoping to return to the game next season after spending the last five months on the sidelines.

However Parslow, 33, has today confirmed that he will not able to resume his playing career.

The former Welsh Under-21 international spent more than 11 years with the club over two spells (August 2006 to July 2015 and January 2017 to May 2019).

He made his final appearance in the Vanarama National League North game against Hereford FC on February 5 2019.

A proportion of the proceeds from Saturday's home friendly against Notts County (kick-off 12.30pm) will be donated to the Headway charity.

"It comes with great sadness that I wish to announce that my football career has come to a premature end after failing to recover from a serious head injury back in February at the York v Hereford FC match," Parslow said.

"I've been fortunate to play the game for 17 years as a professional and shared so many fantastic highs with team-mates and supporters along the way. I have made 383 appearances for York City FC, becoming the 10th player in the all-time appearances list in almost 100 years of the club's history. I am extremely proud of this record as well as being awarded the Billy Fenton Clubman of the Year trophy an unprecedented three times.

"Other major highlights in my career include FA Trophy success at Wembley followed by promotion to the Football League and nine fantastic days that will live with me forever.

"A two-year spell at Cheltenham Town was to follow gaining promotion to League 2 and then my subsequent return 'home' to York City. Although this latter spell at York didn't go as planned, I came back to help the football club back to where it belongs.

"I'd like to thank each and every team-mate who I've had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with during my career, an integral part of the camaraderie of football that I'm sure can never be replaced.

"I'd like to thank the fans for their support, which has been steadfast. You have inspired me to greater heights and I worked as hard as I could in each and every game to bring us success.

"My focus since February has been on returning to health. My recovery is slow and I'm a million miles away from playing sport and returning to 'normal' but I am making progress.

"York City have continued to support my rehabilitation and, together with Headway - who offer support to improve life after brain injury - I hope to increase awareness for those recovering from brain injuries.

"Watch out for events throughout my benefit year, kicking off on Saturday with the Notts County game, with the club donating a proportion of the proceeds to Headway.

"It's time to hang up the boots."

A spokesman for the club added: "Everyone at Bootham Crescent is saddened to hear the news but the club continues to support Daniel in his recovery and has granted a benefit year, this summer, which includes a special game in his honour at Bootham Crescent on Wednesday, October 9."